FDA Reminds Health Professionals of Serious Risks of Birth Defects from Depakote
The FDA recently reminded healthcare professionals and patients about the increased risk of severe birth defects, including spinal defects, severe facial defects, and heart defects, associated with the drug Depakote. Depakote is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, and has also been used to treat epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches.
The FDA letter to healthcare professionals, dated December 3, 2009, was not the first warning regarding Depakote and birth defects. In October 2006, the FDA issued a black box warning regarding these exact dangers of Depakote. The recent letter serves as a reminder to healthcare professionals that Depakote, and other drugs containing valproic acid and divalproex sodium, should only be used for pregnant women if it is essential to their health.
Depakote has especially been noted for leading to an increased risk of the birth defect spinal bifida. In the general population, spinal bifida occurs in fewer than one in one thousand births. Pregnant women on Depakote have a significantly higher risk of having a child with this defect. Spinal bifida occurs when some verterbrae of the baby’s spine do not completely fuse and the baby’s spinal column does not completely fuse. The defect usually results in disability.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you or a loved one had a baby with birth defects, and was taking Depakote while pregnant, contact our law firm immediately. Our experienced drug litigation lawyers have over 35 years of experience. We will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and explain your legal rights.
I was taking Depakote while i was pregnant. my first pregnancy i was carrying triplets and miscarried at two months. my second pregnancy I miscarried around four and a half months along.I have a sonogram picture, it was taken just before the miscarriage. by the grace of God i have two children. my oldest has signs of epilepsy, and my youngest has type two bipolar disorder & ADHD
If you think i have a case please email me.
Thank You,
Mrs. Holman